Monday, May 16, 2016

Alright, going to detour from the normal blog content for a serious talk concerning the future of both this blog and the YouTube channel.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I have a Patron page set up to support the blog and Youtube channel. Since I'm currently unemployed (Yes, I'm looking.), I don't have an income to support the costs associated with running them.

What costs are those?

First off, there's the ever-fun topic of paying rent. Since I still live with the parents, I don't pay nearly the current going rent in my area (Yes. I keep an eye on the ads in the paper.), but I was paying US$185/month to mom, which would go into an account dedicated to saving towards paying for repairs needed in the bathroom, kitchen, living/dining room, damage caused by a leaking steam radiator upstairs, and add a second bedroom for me.

Since half of the Youtube and blog work involves computer and internet use, it's only fair that I pay for my share of the bills. It would also mean less financial strain on the parents' pay and social security checks.

As with any other creative endeavor, there are costs involved with running the blog and Youtube channel. There's the cost of keeping a few spare microSDcards for the camcorder, keeping the current (shared) computer up and running (thank god our current ISP offers IT support.), keeping Kaspersky up and running on the family computers (currently US$34.99 for Basic Protection, on sale, according to their site.), and making sure Mom is fed when she's with me, if need be. And that's not including some tech upgrades that need doing, including getting a separate computer dedicated to blog photo and Youtube video editing, getting better programs for both, and a laptop dedicated to on-the-go Youtube and blog business.

Lastly, I also need to cover my share of food. As I said in my last post, I'm going through a diet change, and trying to eat healthier and actually track what's going in my body in relation to what I'm burning. And since it's my diet, I should cover it and not make the folks pay for it.

I've mentioned Patreon in previous posts, and you've probably wondered, "What the eff is Patreon?". And probably why I keep randomly mentioning it, but that's the next post*.

Seriously Kat, what is it?

What it is is a crowdfunding site for creatorsofallstripes to attract patrons who will pay monthly/per item to support the creators in what they do.

Wait, what? Monthly? Per item? Huh? What about my budget?

I hear ya on the budget, and guess what? Most creators have reward levels as low as US$1! And if the creator has it set up to support them per item? You can set a limit on how many you support per month.

Ok. But wait... Reward levels?

Those are donation levels where creators will send out rewards such as pictures, shout-outs in videos, letters, access to patron only content, and the like.

Alright. So I want to try it and support you. Where do I go?

You can click the link right here, or click the link in the upper left hand box. Either will get you over to my Patreon page.

Kat

*- Like literally, the next post, which is going live TODAY at 12:30 pm, EST! Yes, you guys'n'gals get two posts today? Why? Because I need to get this ish out!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Yep, I'm doing it again! I'm dieting. Why? Because I don't want to become a hamplanet, I'd like to get most of my joint pain gone, and I'd love to be able to actually fit into more normal sized clothing. And it's always nice to not be judged and found a lardass*. **

How am I doing it this time? I'm cutting out the junk food, a lot of the processed crap, and soft drinks, because I will pig out on these, given half a chance. I'm also paying more attention to the serving sizes and calories listed in the nutrition facts along with actually eating slower and listening to when my body says 'Enough already!' It's easier to do this instead of just binging til I'm feeling bloated as heck.

Trigger! Trigger! Trigger! Trigger!

Before I go into what else I'm doing, the following may be triggering to those who have suffered with Anorexia Nervosa, are still dealing with it and trying to break out, and those who may slide into it. Also, those who are HAES, FA, and the like, don't bother posting your 'thin privilege' propaganda, because it will be deleted.

You have been warned.

I'm tracking my calorie intake, to better balance it against what I'm expending via walking, biking, and the like. I've managed to stay under my caloric budget so far. *knock on wood* I'm currently using the UnderArmour MyFitnessPal app on the tablet, and while I wish it covered gardening and urbex filming, I'm liking it.

Off Trigger! Off Trigger! Off Trigger!

Now, off the triggery subject! Since I've cut down the amount of milk (Mom got me back on whole milk.) and cut out soda, I'm upping my intake of water. Why? Well, it's the easiest way to stay hydrated, there are water fountains practically everywhere, our bodies are mostly water anyway, and it's always a good way to cut down on just how much you eat when you're drinking it with your meals/snacks. I'm also keeping an empty Propel liter bottle with me to refill as needed. And honestly, just in the few days I've been doing this, I've noticed I've been draining it more, and missing the sugary beetusjoos less.

Also, I'm working on actively getting up off my butt and moving around waaaay more than I have since I got laid off. Since I'm trying to get my YouTube channel going and film things off the beaten path a bit, plus mom's gotten me into gardening, so this should be easy. Mostly because I'll at least be getting outside and motivated to move and explore, thus burning calories.

I'm starting off at 217 lbs, and my goal weight is 120 lbs, which would put me about smack dab in the middle of the normal BMI range for my height of 5 feet, 2 inches. I'll be doing periodic updates on how my weight loss is going, so stay tuned!

Kat

*- Yes, I do refer to myself as a lardass, fatass, and just plain fat. May as well admit it, y'know?

**- If you could spot the Knight's Tale movie line reference, kudos! I love the carp out of that movie. Don't have the lines memorized (yet...), but I love the 'You have been judged...' line to now end. Also, Adamar is a sexy fuck. Yeah, I said it. Yes, he was a complete jerk, but damn... Also, Colville? Yum.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Yes, I know. I said I'd have a knitting video up last Tuesday. But Mom and I are in the process of setting up a space where I can comfortably film my knitting videos/PSAs/occasional rants. It may be a few weeks, but it is on the way. For now, I'll be putting out the walk around town videos mom and I'll be filming through the week.

Which brings us to our next topic!

I've up the link to my Patreon page up on the "Where can you find me' link list, along with re-adding the link list for my Amazon wishlists.

I've revamped the Patreon some, so it's for both here on my blog and my Youtube page. I've also redone the reward levels and goals some. If you're interested, go check it out. I'd love it if you decided to become a patron, because it would mean less dependence on the folks for support on the blog/YouTube things.

The wishlists are back up for the YouTube needs, Gothy Things, Knitting things, and Pagan things. Why? Because I don't always have the money on hand to get what I need for the Youtube channel (hence the micro SD cards and computers on the list.) and blog. And hey, if you folks want to help out, at least you have a list to work from if you want to send things.